Structure and magnetism of Fe_68.8 Pd_31.2

Fe-Pd based magnetic shape memory alloys show magnetic as well as structural (martensitic) transition [1]. In the martensite phase these alloys exhibit large magnetic field induced strain about ~ 3% due to which these alloys can be used as magnetic actuators [2]. We present here the results of sample preparation, compositional analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and magnetic measurements. The sample is prepared by arc-meting technique and composition (Fe_67.4Pd_32.6) was verified through Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays. The Rietveld refinement shows that room temperature structure is cubic with space group Fm-3m and exhibit tetragonal phase at low temperature. The martensite transition observed around temperature T~235 K, where a sharp drop in the magnetization is observed and also confirmed by low temperature XRD. A very low thermal hysteresis of the martensite phase transition makes this system important for various applications.
References
[1] J. Steiner et. al., Scientific Reports, 2016.
[2] T. Fukuda et. al., Mater. Sci. Technol., 24 (2008).